Conesus Lake: Peacefully on August 8, 2018 at age 89 years. Devoted husband to Phyllis (Manning) O’Connor, the love of his life for 65 years and loving father of Patrick (Lisa) O’Connor of Livonia and James (Laura “Cissy”) O’Connor of FL. Ron also leaves behind his 4 grandchildren; Molly, Casey, and Megan O’Connor and Raina Ballard.
Ron was born on September 4, 1928 in Batavia, NY to parents Albert & Myrta (Schultz) O’Connor. He graduated from Batavia High School and attended both Cornell University and the University of Illinois. Ron had distinguished military career serving 29 years in the United States Air Force and retiring as a Lt. Col. Ron married Phyllis on November 29, 1952 and they celebrated over 65 years together. After retirement from the military Ron lived in Lakeland Florida where he worked for Piper Aircraft for several years. Ron loved being out on the course playing golf well into retirement. He was an excellent bridge player, excelling to Life Master. Ron’s true joy was living on Conesus Lake, enjoying beers with his friends, rides on the party boat, and watching the beautiful sunsets with his wife.
Friends and family may call on Sunday, August 12th, from 2-5pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. Ron’s Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 13th, 10:30am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Livonia, NY with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s Memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church, PO Box 77, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I am so sorry for your loss. Ronnie always made us feel welcome, whether he was whipping up one of his world famous Bloody Mary’s or just simply with his warm smile and hug. Above all else, however, I loved witnessing the love between he and Phyllis. It truly was special and inspiring. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ronnie always made us feel welcome, whether he was whipping up one of his world famous Bloody Mary’s or simply with his warm smile and a hug. Above all else, I loved seeing the relationship between he and Phyllis. It truly was inspiring. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Phyllis and boys I’m just shocked I talked with Ronnie two weeks ago. We had a great visit as always. He said he’d been sleeping a lot. But that in September he’d be 99 always knew his birthday as my grandfather jimmy and Dean all had birthdays the first part of September and we always had cakes fir them at my grandparents home over Labor Day May he Rest In Peace
My deepest condolences to all of you. Ron was so good at keeping in touch with my mom, Shirley Carr, and Aunt Beverly Shear. I pray God will send you strength and comfort
Pop Ronnie was a like grandfather to me growing up. He was never afraid to put me and casey to work! I learned a strong work ethic from him and learned to never cut corners. The love him and mom phylis shared was truly special. I think it says alot about him that he wanted to take care of phylis all the way to his last days. I am grateful for the time i have spent with him, and he will continue to stay in my prayers.
DEAR PHYLLIS JIM AND PAT I WILL MISS RON AND ALL THE TIME WE SPENT IN THE KITCHEN HE WAS GREAT MAN WHO SERVED HIS COUNTRY WELL. MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE,